Mr Sogavare was referring to the announcement by Mr Rudd saying Australia would increase its current aid level of 80 million dollars a year to 96 million dollars a year.

But while appreciating the assistance, the opposition leader says it is important to distinguish how much of the aid assistance provides realistic benefits to the people of Solomon Islands.

Mr Sogavare says that the normal level of Australian aid assistance to Solomon Islands over the years prior to the arrival of the Regional Assistance to Solomon Islands, RAMSI, was fluctuating between 15 and 16 million dollars a year.

He says the arrival of RAMSI in 2003 saw a big boost to 80 million dollars a year and had continued to be maintained at the same level to date.

"At the end of the day, the assistance they give, about 80 percent of that is spent back in Australia. Some people have referred to it as boomerang aid because of the objectives of the Australia aid policy to Solomon Islands. One is to further their strategic interest, to support their commercial interest and also to protect their national interest."

Mr Sogavare says what the country wants to see is help that provides meaningful improvement in the lives of many ordinary Solomon islanders.

TARD is a neutral, non-profit, "youth initiated, youth led" volunteer group established in August 2005 by To'abaita (a geographical region in Solomon Islands) university students studying in Fiji, with a goal to bridge community development barriers and pursue potential rural community initiatives and aspirations for North Malaita Constituency, Malaita Province, Solomon Islands.

We are also committed to promote community awareness on important issues including gender equality, human rights, health and sanitation, education, cultural preservation, and good governance in the North Malaita Constituency. TARD membership currently comprises more than fifty scholars and young working elites in several countries throughout the Pacific. We hope to achieve our vision by working in partnership with the national government, provincial leaders, rural communities, and genuine donors.

Our vision for North Malaita and the Solomon Islands is that of a safe and sustainable society, whose people are healthy and prosperous.

Our mission is working for a better tomorrow. This can be achieved by helping rural communities make informed decisions and implement potential community development initiatives that will benefit them.

2. TARD Partial Bursary Scheme for North Malaita community high school & Vocational students [At least 50 scholarships each worth SBD$200 to start in sem 2 2008 until sem 1 2009]-Supported by generous donation